Mary Jo Dworak

Mary Jo Dworak passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Monday, January 29, 2024.

She was born on March 16, 1952, and was raised in Highland Park, NJ alongside 12 siblings. After finishing college, she settled in Kewaunee, WI where she met her husband, Jeff Dworak and they built a life, family, and an amazing group of close friends. As their children grew, they enjoyed countless camping trips, and road trips to Highland Park, NJ and one of Mary Jo’s favorite places, Long Beach Island, NJ.

Mary Jo’s impact in the community touched countless people and will be remembered for years to come. She retired as a physical education teacher from Kewaunee Grade School after 20+ years and taught multiple generations of Kewaunee children how to swim. She was a founding board member of the Kewaunee Golf Challenge that raised funds for the Build the Future Foundation and Kewaunee Booster Club, and was active in the Kewaunee Artisan Center. She and her husband, Jeff, were named Persons of the Year in 2015 by the Kewaunee Rotary Club for their community involvement. She was someone who never said no when there was a need.

She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Jeff, as well as children Brian (Laurie) Dworak, Tim (Katie) Dworak, Sara (Eugene) Gregorich, Rachel (Joe) Dilling, and 10 grandchildren who will miss decorating sugar cookies with her and snacking on her infamous scrabble recipe (Charlie, Addison & Elliot Dworak, Aiden & Austin Dworak, Eugene & Owen Gregorich, Cora, Grant & Lane Dilling). She is also survived by 11 brothers and sisters: Jean (Barry) Brown, Jim (Nan Peterson) Stangel, Barb Blake, Karl Stangel, Robert Stangel, Helen Stangel, Ed Stangel, Martha Thompson, Jill (Mark Johnson) Stangel, David Stangel, and Carol (Mike) McCarty. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Marion and Harvey Stangel, and her sister Janet Stangel.

Mary Jo always said, “Eat dessert first”, so that’s what we will do on Monday, February 5 at Heritage Farm (N2251 WI-42, Kewaunee, WI) at a Celebration of Life. People are invited to join family in celebrating Mary Jo’s life from 3 - 7 p.m., with a short ceremony at 4 p.m. and food and refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her honor to the Build the Future Foundation or Kewaunee Health & Fitness, two organizations that Mary Jo was passionate about. Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services – Kewaunee is assisting the family. Online condolence messages may be shared at KinnardFCS.com.